Smart walking stick

[PSPCarer]

Hello everyone

Someone forwarded this link to me.

walktobeat.co.uk/shop

Has anyone tried this? Is this in any way good or helpful for PSP patients? I would like to order one if it is.

Thank you very much.

[Hidden]

I just watched the video for this product.

It was invented by a lovely young woman.

Her grandfather had Parkinson.

Very interesting concept and it is well woth watching.

I have no idea if it would help individuals with psp.

Sending hugs to you and your sister. . . Granni B

[PSPCarer in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much ❤️

I think I will watch it for some time to see if it’s helpful. Hugs back.

[Hidden in reply to PSPCarer]

I wonder if your sister might benifit from using a walker. I am safer with my walker. It has a seat & a place for my feet, so hubby can push me if needed. If l have an arm or furiture to hold onto l can use my cane but have a tendency to stumble more. Safety first is my motto. I should mention l do not have PSP but my mom did. Best wishes in your search... Granni B

[Dadshelper]

It may help in the earlier stages if/when the freezing gait is an issue. My advice is buy it, if not cost prohibitive, and see how it works. My concern would be the remembering to "lean" on it. If falls are an issue then it's a matter of someone walking with the person for safety.

Ron

[PSPCarer in reply to Dadshelper]

Thank you for your reply.

My sister needs assistance. She can’t walk on her own. At times when she is told to walk by her doctor she takes tiny steps but doesn’t fall. It’s a strange pattern. She was not this dependent few months ago. Two years back she had no falls at all. She only looked depressed and her gaze looked ‘strange and unusual’. She was treated for depression

Not sure if investing in this stick is wise.

[Dadshelper in reply to PSPCarer]

Unfortunately whatever devices you get to help your sister will be of limited usage in the earlier stages. The disease is progressive and over time her needs/capabilities are going to change. I'd say a good walker will be of greater use then the cane given the way you describe her walking pattern. Having a wheelchair on hand is not a bad idea either. Dad went from walking with a walker and assistance to a wheelchair in about 36 hours. He just couldn't get his legs to move in a walking pattern anymore.

Ron

[NannaB]

As people with PSP usually fall backwards, walkers would be better or even a wheelchair when outside that they can push and sit in when tired. I have a collection of sticks (I’ve just got rid of 25 but have 25 left) and my husband tried several until he realised sticks don’t stop you falling backwards. I got him a walker where the back wheels were further back than most walkers so he walked between them rather than behind them. It was very difficult to tip up and prevented several falls as it gave me time to get to him. I can’t remember the make but I bought it second hand and it is now with it’s 4th owner.

XxxX

[Tippyleaf]

Shortly after diagnosis my husband was given a stick by the physio - total nightmare as he kept tripping over it but he insisted on using it. I had to ask physio to take it back and recommend a walker/rollator instead! We have a 4 wheeled walker and a U walker the latter designed specifically neurological illness it comes with a laser pointing line to show people where there feet should be and a metronome to help with rhythms. Bought ours on eBay and neither of these functions work but since he has no downward gaze and too impulsive to walk to a beat not a problem!

I guess everyone is different I have heard positive results for Parkinson’s patients but PSP just more unprectable.

Love Tippy

[PSPCarer in reply to Tippyleaf]

Thank you very much for your reply.

Yes, everyone is different so whatever we decide to use should be based on the person’s individual need.

[lindaD_]

did e mail the young lady when it was first on tv.this was when brian was still walking and not falling much ,but it wasnt then ready for selling

[PSPCarer in reply to lindaD_]

It probably isn’t too helpful for PSP patients. We won’t know until one of us uses and let others know. Thank you very much for writing.